UniAction Films Furthers Its Commitment to Cultural Diplomacy with New Documentary: Coming Home – Beyond A Moonless Night

Montréal, July 23, 2021– UniAction Films proudly announces the release of its second documentary, Coming Home: Beyond A Moonless Night, a powerful sequel to A Moonless Night: Boat People 40 Years Later. With this film, UniAction deepens its commitment to cultural diplomacy, using storytelling to foster global understanding, intergenerational healing, and respect for historical complexity.

Building on the emotional resonance of the first film, Coming Home follows Vietnamese-Canadians as they journey back to their ancestral homeland. Their experiences uncover stories of personal exile and reconnection, but also lead to a profound discovery of Vietnam’s 4,000-year-old history and its long road to independence.

“This film is about more than returning to a homeland,” said Thi Be Nguyen, UniAction Founder and Executive Producer. “It’s about understanding where we come from, honoring our ancestors, and uncovering the layers of history that shaped who we are today. Cultural diplomacy begins when we choose to listen, to share, and to understand the roots of one another’s identity.”

Directed by Marie-Hélène Panisset, the documentary revisits the legacies of separation, war, and resilience—but through the lens of remembrance and cultural renewal. The personal reunions and ancestral journeys featured in the film intersect with broader historical themes, including Vietnam’s ancient dynasties, the impact of French colonial rule, and the turbulent Indochina era that led to the Vietnam War.

“Understanding the importance of the Indochina era that led to the Vietnam War is essential to grasp the broader context of Vietnam’s struggle for independence—from colonial domination to national self-determination,” Nguyen added.

The film also reflects on the enduring legacy of Ho Chi Minh, the revolutionary leader who led Vietnam’s fight for liberation. His vision for unity, social justice, and sovereignty is subtly echoed in the stories of the participants.

“This documentary gave us the privilege to witness not only personal reconnection, but also the pride and complexity of a country rising from centuries of hardship,” noted Panisset. “By rediscovering Vietnam through the eyes of its children abroad, we see history not as a distant narrative, but as something alive, painful, and necessary to understand.”

A Cultural Bridge Between Canada and Vietnam

Coming Home is part of UniAction’s broader cultural diplomacy strategy—fostering understanding through artistic expression and lived experience. By framing migration as both a loss and a return, the film celebrates identity, resilience, and the enduring strength of family ties across borders.

Screenings and Community Engagement

Multiple theatrical projections are scheduled across Canada, accompanied by curated discussions with artists, historians, and community leaders. International screenings and academic collaborations are also planned to continue the conversation.

Photo credit: Le Petit Septième